The rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen has defined modern era F1 with their 2021 title battle making for one of the most thrilling seasons in the sport's history.
The pair have rarely locked horns since Verstappen pinched the World Drivers' Championship from his decorated rival on the last lap in Abu Dhabi that year, with Mercedes' subsequent struggles playing a huge part.
However, their competitive feud has resulted in some spectacular shunts through the years and finger-pointing has been commonplace in the past.
While they have had less incentive to be at each other's throats given they've been fighting different battles of late, the rivalry has not exactly petered out.
The Ferrari-bound Hamilton admitted to making an error in Friday's practice session in Imola and it was one that drew the fury of his Dutch foe.
Verstappen cuts across Hamilton after spoiling his lap
While practice sessions carry the least significance on race weekends in terms of the championship standings, they are still important for drivers' to understand their car ahead of qualifying and the Grand Prix itself.
It is common for drivers to make way for rivals who are on a 'hot lap' - but naturally they can get in each other's way.
Hamilton was at fault - admitting as much - when Verstappen looked to fly past him, ultimately sabotaging his attempt during the session.
A frustrated Verstappen showed his displeasure, slowing down when initially halted and cutting across in front of Hamilton who apologetically raised his hand.
Sabar bang, sabar...
Verstappen nampak tak senang karena merasa dihalangi Hamilton saat hot lap. pic.twitter.com/R7LBJNXWRI— F1 Speed Indonesia (@f1speed_indo) May 17, 2024
Hamilton admitted that he tried to apologise after the session but Verstappen was 'too frustrated' to accept it.
Jeez... I was on a cool-down lap," he said.
“I thought I was well clear, but all of a sudden he was right on me and ultimately it was my mistake.
“I tried to apologise but he was too frustrated.”
Verstappen claimed afterwards that he could not keep his calm, accusing Hamilton of making the same mistake in the past.
“It’s not the first time,” Verstappen said.
“Of course, you try to always stay calm about it, but it happened again.
“On the other hand, I don’t want to really talk about it too much because that’s not our issue. Today, we were just severely off pace. That we need to fix.”
Fernando Alonso - another long-term rival of Hamilton's - also complained about the driver, accusing him of acting like he was 'alone' on track.
Safe to say there is no love lost between the drivers whose rivalry could really reignite when Hamilton makes his switch to Ferrari next season.
